Private Ground Transport

The ultimate in peace of mind, comfort, and convenience for our clients who want the very best for their pet while traveling by road.

The comfort and safety of your pet is always our highest priority.

However, many pets are unable to enjoy the comfort of traveling in-cabin on a flight because of their size, special needs or species.

  • Pet parents with very large or multiple dogs often times find it difficult to find travel options that are both safe and affordable.

  • The options for giant breeds to travel by air are either; private jets (cost prohibitive for most families) or air cargo (stressful unsafe certain times of the year).

  • Breed and species restrictions often times limit the travel options available. Most airlines either ban or restrict certain dog breeds they label as “aggressive.”

  • For others, they want their pet to experience a ‘true adventure.’

For these reasons, and more, we are proud to offer Private Ground Transport services.

Animals of all sizes and species can enjoy ground transportation across the U.S. The ultimate road trip!

Your pet will enjoy a VIP solo experience with their personal travel guardian.

Beyond Legendary Service

VIP Ground Transport is great for animals that need to travel by themselves and owners/handlers who don’t want their animals interacting with others.

This door-to-door service is the ultimate in safety, comfort, and adventure for your pet.

happy pups giving kisses

Door-To-Door Service

We will coordinate every aspect of your pet’s journey from pick up to drop off, rental cars, hotel bookings, and more.

Whatever your pet needs during their trip, we will arrange, so you don’t have to.

For dogs, we make frequent stops to give them an opportunity to stretch their legs, potty and play!

We limit the driving time to 10hrs/day maximum to give your pets and the travel guardians time to rest and refresh at pet-friendly hotels.

dog overlooking a canyon

Large & Exotic Animals Welcome

From large dog breeds to exotic animals, more breeds and species of animals can travel by ground.

We can accommodate up to 6 dogs at once from the same owner handler.

Due to their unique needs, the numbers of other species (cats, birds, & reptiles) from the same household varies.

macaw looking over it's shoulder

Unmatched Comfort and Convenience

Ground transports are always door-to-door and direct. By only accepting pets from the same household, your pet(s) will travel direct from point A to point B.

Our travel guardians will keep you updated through out the journey with messages and photos.

You can even follow along with GPS tracking!

labs taking a walk

Your pet’s safety is our #1 priority

As a USDA registered transporter, we are required to abide by the animal transport standards set by the Animal Welfare Act. Our policies and procedures meet and exceed these requirements. We have the following policies in place to maximize the safe transport of all pets in our care.

  • GPS Tracking: You can watch your pet traveling live

  • Dogs are fitted with Tracking Tags: Dogs are walked frequently during long journeys. The tag gives added peace of mind in the unlikely event of an escape.

  • IATA approved travel crate/carriers: No pets travel “loose” in the vehicle. In-case of a road accident, we want them to be safe and secure.

  • Medical: All of our travel guardians are trained in dog and cat first aide and CPR. All guardians travel with a pet first aide kit. They also have access to 24/7 virtual veterinary assistance through FirstVet.

standard poodle in travel crate

Booking a private transport is easy:

  • Checklist on gold foil effect

    Get Your Instant Estimate

    Use our ground transport calculator below to get a preliminary cost estimate for your pet's journey. Enter your pickup and drop-off locations, the number of pets traveling, and their species. The calculator will do the rest. For exotic pets or groups of 7 or more, contact us directly for a custom quote.

  • Proposal document on gold foil effect

    Schedule Your Consultation

    Once you have your estimate, the next step is a 30-minute pet travel consultation with an SPT specialist. For just $47, we'll review your specific situation, confirm the details of your transport, and walk you through your personalized proposal. Your $47 applies toward your transport.

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    The Ultimate Road Trip Starts!

    Your pet is picked up by their dedicated Travel Guardian and begins their door-to-door journey in a private, comfortable vehicle. You'll receive GPS tracking access, photo updates, and direct communication every mile of the way.

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INSTANT QUOTE

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NEW 〰️ INSTANT QUOTE 〰️

Get an Instant Quote

This calculator is designed to give you a clear, preliminary estimate of your pet's ground transport cost. Enter your details below and get your estimate instantly. When you're ready to move forward, schedule a consultation with our Travel Concierge Team, who will review your specific situation and build a personalized proposal for your pet's journey.

  • Use this calculator if you have a dog or cat and no more than 6 pets traveling. For exotic pets or groups of 7 or more, contact our Travel Concierge Team directly for a custom quote

  • Your estimate is a starting point, not a final price. A few variables can affect the total, including the need to reposition a Travel Guardian to your pickup or drop-off location by flight, vehicle size upgrades for giant breeds, and rush handling for transports departing within 72 hours. Your SPT specialist will walk through all of this with you during your consultation.

Ready to Move Forward?

Your next step is simple. Once you have your estimate, schedule a 30-minute consultation with an SPT specialist. For $47, we'll confirm your transport details, answer every question you have, and send you a personalized proposal. That $47 is applied in full toward your transport.

Pricing & Details

Pricing for this service is tailored to your specific needs and can vary depending on location, distance travelled, and number of pets.

Private Ground Transport

The ultimate road trip for your pet, the ultimate in convenience for you.

  • Door-to-door direct transport by ground.

  • Frequent rest stops

  • Overnight hotel stays (when required) at pet-friendly hotels

  • GPS tracking

  • Up to 6 pets from the same household (owner, breeder, handler, kennel)

  • Dogs are fitted with tracking tags on their collars for added peace of mind

Private Ground Transport cost:

Base handling for one pet:

  • $350 for the first 30 miles

  • $2 per mile for every additional mile

Additional variables that may affect your total: transporting more than one pet, repositioning a Travel Guardian to or from your pickup or drop-off location by flight, vehicle upgrades for giant breeds (van vs. SUV), and rush handling for transports departing within 72 hours.

Multiple Pet Cost:

  • Dogs: base handling plus $0.50 per mile

  • Cats: base handling plus $0.25 per mile

  • Birds, rabbits, and exotics: variable, contact us to discuss your specific species and their needs

  • For 7 or more pets, please contact our Travel Concierge Team directly for a custom quote.

Christian was AWESOME! He kept our dogs safe and loved on them in our absence. He kept us in the loop with the ETA and sent pics along the way So glad we found Signature Pet Transport! Definitely gave us peace of mind!!!
— Ashley Cleary, Pet Parent of: Ollie, Harley, and Pepper

Private Ground Transport from Southern California to Washington

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Opting for a lower-priced pet transport might seem appealing, but it's crucial to consider what's at stake.

    Some services cut corners by hiring just about anyone with a driver's license and operating on a cash basis.

    This approach not only jeopardizes your pet's safety but also compromises the quality of their journey.

    At Signature Pet Transport (SPT), we set a higher standard.

    Our Travel Guardians are meticulously vetted, professionally trained, and fully insured, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for your pet.

    Moreover, as a USDA Registered Animal Transport Company with Class T - Carrier status, we adhere to the highest standards of animal welfare and handling.

    While "shared rides" might reduce costs, they expose your pet to potential stress and health risks from other animals.

    Our private transports, on the other hand, guarantee personalized attention and care, with only pets from the same household on board.

    Choosing SPT means prioritizing your pet's well-being and peace of mind, ensuring a journey that's as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

  • Private Ground Transport with SPT is designed to be smooth and stress-free from the very first step. Here's what to expect.

    Start by using our instant quote calculator to get a preliminary estimate. Then schedule a 30-minute consultation with one of our specialists. We'll learn about your pet, confirm your route and timeline, and walk you through your personalized transport proposal. Your $47 consultation fee is applied toward your transport.

    Once you've reviewed and accepted your proposal, your Travel Guardian is assigned and your transport is confirmed. In the days leading up to the journey, we'll set up a group communication thread with you, your Travel Guardian, and our Concierge Team so everyone is aligned and prepared.

    On pickup day, your Travel Guardian will arrive with the vehicle prepared, a quick wellness check completed, and your pet's comfort already the top priority. From that moment, you'll have live GPS access to follow the journey in real time, along with regular photo updates along the way.

    We cap driving at 10 hours per day, with frequent rest stops and overnight stays at pet-friendly hotels when the route requires it. When your pet arrives at their destination, we coordinate closely with you or the designated receiver to make sure the handoff is smooth and joyful.

  • Great question, and a fair one. The short answer is that what we offer isn't really a "quote." It's a 30-minute, one-on-one conversation with a pet travel specialist who will take the time to understand your pet, your situation, and your goals, then walk you through the right solution for your specific needs.

    A generic quote form can't do that. And honestly, pet travel is too important to get wrong based on incomplete information.

    The $47 also ensures that the time our specialists spend with you is focused, productive, and fully dedicated to clients who are serious about moving forward. Because of that, we're able to give you the kind of attention your pet deserves.

    The best part? Your $47 is applied directly toward whichever service you choose. So it's not a fee, it's your first step.

  • As mentioned above in the section covering how the process works, organizing, requesting, & confirming a pet's move is much more complicated than human travel.

    As a result, all changes to the travel plan initiated by the client after a booking request has been submitted to the airline will incur a $500 rebooking fee plus any additional costs as a result of the change (e.g. different airfare prices because of a different flight or airline).

    ❗👉 One free change to your itinerary is allowed as part of our Premium package!

    In the event that you need to cancel your move after you've signed up with us, the following refund schedule will apply:

    0-7 days after this proposal is signed, you'll get 90% of your deposit back, minus payment processing fees (~6%).

    8-21 days after, you'll get 66% of your total payment refunded (deposit + any payments made additionally).

    22-45 days after, you'll get 33% of your total payment refunded (deposit + any payments made additionally).

    Over 45 days after or within 10 days of the planned travel date, you'll get 10% of your total payment refunded (deposit + any payments).

    *$47 consultation fee is nonrefundable.

  • For a seamless and comfortable experience during our Private Ground Transport service, there are a few essentials you'll need to provide for your pet:

    -Pet's Food: Ensure you pack enough of your pet's regular food to last the entire journey. Familiar food helps maintain your pet's routine and comfort.

    -Health Certificate or CVI: An up-to-date Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) is mandatory for interstate travel, ensuring your pet is fit and healthy for the journey.

    -Rabies Vaccine Certificate: For pet's 12 weeks of age or older, proof of your pet's rabies vaccination is crucial, not just for health and safety regulations but also for peace of mind during interstate travel.

    What SPT Provides: You can rest easy knowing we've got the rest covered!

    For the safety and well-being of your pet, we provide:

    -IATA Approved Travel Crate: We ensure your pet travels in an appropriately sized, IATA-approved crate. This is a critical safety measure to protect your pet in the unlikely event of a road accident.

    -Travel Pack: Our comprehensive travel pack includes all the necessities for the journey, such as leashes, potty pads, poop bags, food and water bowls, treats, and first-aid supplies.

    We're prepared for every aspect of the journey, so you don't have to worry about the small details.

    By providing these essentials, you'll help ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience for your beloved pet.

    And with SPT taking care of the rest, you can have peace of mind knowing your pet is in safe and capable hands.